Bulk metal species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method

ABSTRACT

A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer is formed overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a bulk copper indium disulfide material. The bulk copper indium disulfide material comprises one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material and a surface region characterized by a copper poor surface having a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The copper poor surface and one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material are subjected to metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic and to convert any of the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 from a p-type characteristic to an n-type characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/101,128, filed Sep. 29, 2008, entitled “BULK METAL SPECIES TREATMENT OF THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL AND MANUFACTURING METHOD” by inventor HOWARD W. H. LEE, commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/101,127, filed Sep. 29, 2008, commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/566,651, filed Sep. 24, 2009, commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

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REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic materials and manufacturing method. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and structure for manufacture of high efficiency thin film photovoltaic cells. Merely by way of example, the present method and materials include absorber materials made of copper indium disulfide species, copper tin sulfide, iron disulfide, or others for single junction cells or multi junction cells.

From the beginning of time, mankind has been challenged to find way of harnessing energy. Energy comes in the forms such as petrochemical, hydroelectric, nuclear, wind, biomass, solar, and more primitive forms such as wood and coal. Over the past century, modern civilization has relied upon petrochemical energy as an important energy source. Petrochemical energy includes gas and oil. Gas includes lighter forms such as butane and propane, commonly used to heat homes and serve as fuel for cooking. Gas also includes gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, commonly used for transportation purposes. Heavier forms of petrochemicals can also be used to heat homes in some places. Unfortunately, the supply of petrochemical fuel is limited and essentially fixed based upon the amount available on the planet Earth. Additionally, as more people use petroleum products in growing amounts, it is rapidly becoming a scarce resource, which will eventually become depleted over time.

More recently, environmentally clean and renewable sources of energy have been desired. An example of a clean source of energy is hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is derived from electric generators driven by the flow of water produced by dams such as the Hoover Dam in Nevada. The electric power generated is used to power a large portion of the city of Los Angeles in California. Clean and renewable sources of energy also include wind, waves, biomass, and the like. That is, windmills convert wind energy into more useful forms of energy such as electricity. Still other types of clean energy include solar energy. Specific details of solar energy can be found throughout the present background and more particularly below.

Solar energy technology generally converts electromagnetic radiation from the sun to other useful forms of energy. These other forms of energy include thermal energy and electrical power. For electrical power applications, solar cells are often used. Although solar energy is environmentally clean and has been successful to a point, many limitations remain to be resolved before it becomes widely used throughout the world. As an example, one type of solar cell uses crystalline materials, which are derived from semiconductor material ingots. These crystalline materials can be used to fabricate optoelectronic devices that include photovoltaic and photodiode devices that convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical power. However, crystalline materials are often costly and difficult to make on a large scale. Additionally, devices made from such crystalline materials often have low energy conversion efficiencies. Other types of solar cells use “thin film” technology to form a thin film of photosensitive material to be used to convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical power. Similar limitations exist with the use of thin film technology in making solar cells. That is, efficiencies are often poor. Additionally, film reliability is often poor and cannot be used for extensive periods of time in conventional environmental applications. Often, thin films are difficult to mechanically integrate with each other. These and other limitations of these conventional technologies can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

From the above, it is seen that improved techniques for manufacturing photovoltaic materials and resulting devices are desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to embodiments of the present invention, a method and a structure for forming thin film semiconductor materials for photovoltaic applications are provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and structure for forming semiconductor materials used for the manufacture of high efficiency photovoltaic cells. Merely by way of example, the present method and materials include absorber materials made of copper indium disulfide species, copper tin sulfide, iron disulfide, or others for single junction cells or multi-junction cells.

In a specific embodiment, a method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes providing a transparent substrate including a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. The method includes forming a copper layer overlying the first electrode layer and forming an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. In a specific embodiment, the method includes subjecting at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species and forming a bulk copper indium disulfide material from at least the treatment process of the multi-layered structure. In a specific embodiment, the bulk copper indium disulfide material comprises one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material characterized by a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The bulk copper indium disulfide material has a surface region characterized by a copper poor surface comprising a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method includes subjecting the copper poor surface and one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material to a metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic and to convert any of the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material. In a specific embodiment, the subjecting of the copper poor surface and the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material is performed during at least a thermal treatment process for a time period.

In an alternative embodiment, a method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes providing a transparent substrate including a surface region. The method forms a first electrode layer overlying the surface region. A copper indium material is formed overlying the electrode layer by at least sputtering a target comprising an indium copper material. In a specific embodiment, the copper indium material is subjected to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a copper poor indium disulfide material from at least the thermal treatment process of the copper poor indium material. In a specific embodiment, the copper indium disulfide material comprises an atomic ratio of Cu:In of less than about 0.95:1. In a specific embodiment, the method includes compensating the copper poor copper indium disulfide material using a metal cation species to change from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic. The method further forms a window layer overlying the copper indium disulfide material.

In a yet alternative embodiment, a method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A chalcopyrite material is formed overlying the first electrode layer. In a specific embodiment, the chalcopyrite material comprises a copper poor copper indium disulfide region. The copper poor copper indium disulfide region having an atomic ratio of Cu:In of about 0.99 and less. The method includes compensating the copper poor copper indium disulfide region using a metal cation species to cause the chalcopyrite material to change from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic. The method includes forming a window layer overlying the chalcopyrite material and forming a second electrode layer overlying the window layer.

In a yet another embodiment, a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The thin film photovoltaic device includes a substrate comprising a surface region. The thin film photovoltaic device includes a first electrode layer overlying the surface region. A chalcopyrite material overlying the first electrode layer. In a specific embodiment, the chalcopyrite material includes a copper poor copper indium disulfide bulk region and a surface region. In a specific embodiment, the copper poor copper indium disulfide bulk region has an atomic ratio of Cu:In of about 0.99 and less. A compensating metal cation species is provided within one or more portions of the copper poor copper indium disulfide region to change the copper poor copper indium disulfide region from an n-type impurity characteristic to a p-type impurity characteristic. The thin film photovoltaic device also includes a window layer overlying the chalcopyrite material and a second electrode layer overlying the window layer.

Many benefits are achieved by ways of present invention. For example, the present invention uses starting materials that are commercially available to form a thin film of semiconductor bearing material overlying a suitable substrate member. The thin film of semiconductor bearing material can be further processed to form a semiconductor thin film material of desired characteristics, such as atomic stoichiometry, impurity concentration, carrier concentration, doping, and others. In a specific embodiment, the band gap of the resulting copper indium disulfide material is about 1.55 eV. Additionally, the present method uses environmentally friendly materials that are relatively less toxic than other thin-film photovoltaic materials. In a preferred embodiment, the present method and resulting structure is substantially free from a parasitic junction on an absorber layer based upon a copper poor chalcopyrite material. Also in a preferred embodiment, the open circuit voltage of the chalcopyrite material such as copper indium disulfide ranges from about 0.8 volts and greater and preferably 0.9 volts and greater or 1.0 volts and greater up to 1.2 volts. Depending on the embodiment, one or more of the benefits can be achieved. These and other benefits will be described in more detailed throughout the present specification and particularly below.

Merely by way of example, the present method and materials include absorber materials made of copper indium disulfide species, copper tin sulfide, iron disulfide, or others for single junction cells or multi junction cells.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-8 are schematic diagrams illustrating a method and structure for forming a thin film photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9-11 are simplified diagrams illustrating a method and structure for forming a thin film photovoltaic device including metal species treatment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of an copper indium disulfide material having one or more copper poor regions according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are plots of experimental results (Voc, Jsc, efficiency) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to embodiments of the present invention, a method and a structure for forming semiconductor materials for photovoltaic applications are provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing thin film photovoltaic devices. Merely by way of example, the method has been used to provide a copper indium disulfide thin film material for high efficiency solar cell application. But it would be recognized that the present invention has a much broader range of applicability, for example, embodiments of the present invention may be used to form other semiconducting thin films or multilayers comprising iron sulfide, cadmium sulfide, zinc selenide, and others, and metal oxides such as zinc oxide, iron oxide, copper oxide, and others.

FIG. 1-8 are simplified schematic diagrams illustrating a method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. These diagrams are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the claims herein. One skilled in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown in FIG. 1, a substrate 110 is provided. In an embodiment, the substrate 110 includes a surface region 112 and is held in a process stage within a process chamber (not shown). In another embodiment, the substrate 110 is an optically transparent solid material. For example, substrate 110 can use material such as glass, quartz, fused silica, or plastic, or metal, or foil, or semiconductor, or composite materials. Depending upon the embodiment, the substrate can be a single material, multiple materials, which are layered, composites, or stacked, including combinations of these, and the like. Of course there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 2, the present method forms an electrode layer 120 overlying a surface region 112 of substrate 110. The electrode layer can be a suitable metal material, a semiconductor material or a transparent conducting oxide material, or a combination. Electrode layer 120 can be formed using techniques such as sputtering, evaporation (e.g., using electron beam), electro-plating, or a combination of these, and the like, according to a specific embodiment. Preferably, the electrode layer is characterized by a resistivity of about 10 Ohm/cm² to 100 Ohm/cm² and less according to a specific embodiment. In a specific embodiment, the electrode layer can be made of molybdenum or tungsten. The electrode layer can have a thickness ranging from about 100 nm to 2 micron in a specific embodiment, but can also be others depending on the application. Other suitable materials such as copper, chromium, aluminum, nickel, or platinum, and the like may also be used. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 3, a copper layer 130 is formed overlying the electrode layer. In particular, copper (Cu) layer 130 is formed overlying the electrode layer 120. For example, the copper layer can be formed using a sputtering process using a suitable copper target. In one example, a DC magnetron sputtering process can be used to deposit Cu layer 130 onto the electrode layer 120. The sputtering process is performed under a suitable pressure and temperature. In a specific embodiment, the sputtering process can be performed under a deposition pressure of about 6.2 mTorr. In a specific embodiment, the deposition pressure may be controlled using Ar gas. In a specific embodiment, an Ar gas flow rate of about 32 sccm is used to achieve the desired deposition pressure. Deposition can be provided at room temperature without heating the substrate. Of course, minor heating may result due to plasma generated during deposition. Additionally, a DC power supply of about 115 W may be used for the sputtering process. Depending on the embodiment, DC power ranging from 100 W to 150 W may be used depending on the specific materials used. A deposition time for a Cu layer of 330 nm thickness is about 6 minutes or more under the described deposition condition. Of course, the deposition condition can be varied and modified according to a specific embodiment. One skilled in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes forming a barrier layer 125 overlying the electrode layer to form an interface region between the electrode layer and the copper layer. In a specific embodiment, the interface region is maintained substantially free from a metal disulfide layer having a semiconductor characteristic that is different from a copper indium disulfide material formed during later processing steps. Depending upon the embodiment, the barrier layer has suitable conductive characteristics and can be reflective to allow electromagnetic radiation to reflect back into a photovoltaic cell or can also be transparent or the like. In a specific embodiment, the barrier layer is selected from platinum, titanium, chromium, or silver. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Referring now to FIG. 4. The method forms an indium layer 140 overlying copper layer 130. The indium layer is deposited over the copper layer using a sputtering process in a specific embodiment. In a specific embodiment, the indium layer can be deposited using a DC magnetron sputtering process under a similar condition for depositing the Cu layer. The deposition time for the indium layer may be shorter than that for Cu layer. As merely an example, 2 minutes and 45 seconds may be enough for depositing an In layer of about 410 nm in thickness according to a specific embodiment. In another example, the indium layer can be deposited overlying the copper layer using an electro-plating process, or others dependent on specific embodiment.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a method of forming a multilayered structure 150 comprising copper and indium on a substrate for a thin film photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, copper layer 130 and indium layer 140 are provided in a certain stoichiometry to allow for a Cu-rich material with an atomic ratio of Cu:In greater than 1 for the multilayered structure 150. For example, the atomic ratio Cu:In can be in a range from about 1.2:1 to about 2.0:1 or larger depending upon the specific embodiment. In an implementation, the atomic ratio of Cu:In is between 1.35:1 and 1.60:1. In another implementation, the atomic ratio of Cu:In is selected to be about 1.55:1. In a preferred embodiment, the atomic ratio Cu:In is provided such that Cu is limiting, which consumes essentially all of the indium species provided for the resulting structure. In a specific embodiment, indium layer 140 is provided to cause substantially no change in the copper layer 130 formed until further processing. In another embodiment, indium layer 140 can be first deposited overlying the electrode layer followed by deposition of the copper layer 130 overlying the indium layer. Of course there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 5, multilayered structure 150 is subjected to a thermal treatment process 200. In a specific embodiment, the thermal treatment process is provided in an environment containing at least a sulfur bearing species 210. The thermal treatment process is performed at an adequate pressure and temperature. In a specific embodiment, the thermal treatment process is provided at a temperature ranging from about 400 Degrees Celsius to about 600 Degrees Celsius. In certain embodiment, the thermal treatment process can be a rapid thermal process provided at the temperature range for about three to fifteen minutes. In one example, the sulfur bearing species is in a fluid phase. As an example, the sulfur bearing species can be provided in a solution, which has dissolved Na₂S, CS₂, (NH₄)₂S, thiosulfate, among others. In another example, the sulfur bearing species 210 is gas phase hydrogen sulfide. In other embodiments, the sulfur bearing species can be provided in a solid phase. As merely an example, elemental sulfur can be heated and allowed to vaporize into a gas phase, e.g., as S_(n). In a specific embodiment, the gas phase sulfur is allowed to react to the indium/copper layers. In other embodiments, combinations of sulfur species can be used. Of course, the thermal treatment process 200 includes certain predetermined ramp-up and ramp down time and ramp-up and ramp-down rate. For example, the thermal treatment process is a rapid thermal annealing process. In a specific embodiment, the hydrogen sulfide gas is provided through one or more entry valves with flow rate controls into the process chamber. The hydrogen sulfide gas pressure in the chamber may be controlled by one or more pumping systems or others, depending on the embodiment. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the sulfur bearing species can be provided as a layer material overlying the indium and copper layers or copper and indium layers. In a specific embodiment, the sulfur bearing species is provided as a thin layer or as a patterned layer. Depending upon the embodiment, the sulfur bearing species can be provided as a slurry, a powder, a solid material, a gas, a paste, or other suitable form. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Referring to FIG. 5, the thermal treatment process 200 causes a reaction between copper indium material within the multilayered structure 150 and the sulfur bearing species 210, thereby forming a layer of copper indium disulfide material (or a copper indium disulfide thin film) 220. In one example, the copper indium disulfide material or copper indium disulfide thin film 220 is formed by incorporating sulfur ions/atoms stripped or decomposed from the sulfur bearing species into the multilayered structure 150 with indium atoms and copper atoms mutually diffused therein. In an embodiment, the thermal treatment process 200 results in a formation of a cap layer 221 overlying the transformed copper indium disulfide material 220. The cap layer contains a thickness of substantially copper sulfide material but substantially free of indium atoms. The cap layer includes a surface region 225. In a specific embodiment, the formation of this cap layer is under a Cu-rich conditions for the Cu—In bearing multilayered structure 150. Depending on the embodiment, the thickness of the copper sulfide material 221 is on an order of about five to ten nanometers and greater based on original multilayered structure 150 with indium layer 140 overlying copper layer 130. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of the method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the claims herein. One skilled in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown in FIG. 6, a dip process 300 is performed to the copper sulfide material 221 that covers the copper indium disulfide thin film 220. In particular, the dip process is performed by exposing the surface region 225 to a solution of potassium cyanide 310 in a specific embodiment. In a specific embodiment, the solution of potassium cyanide has a concentration of about 1 weight % to about 10 weight % according to a specific embodiment. The solution of potassium cyanide acts as an etchant that is capable of selectively removing copper sulfide material 221 from the surface region of the copper indium disulfide material. The etching process starts from the exposed surface region 225 and down to the thickness of the copper sulfide material 221 and substantially stopped at the interface between the copper sulfide material 221 and copper indium disulfide material 220. As a result the copper sulfide cap layer 221 is selectively removed by the etching process to expose surface region 228 of the copper indium disulfide thin film material according to a specific embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the etch selectivity is about 1:100 or more between copper sulfide and copper indium disulfide material. In other embodiments, other selective etching species can be used. In a specific embodiment, the etching species can be hydrogen peroxide. In other embodiments, other techniques including electro-chemical etching, plasma etching, sputter-etching, or any combination of these may be used. In a specific embodiment, the copper sulfide material can be mechanically removed, chemically removed, electrically removed, or any combination of these, and others. In a specific embodiment, an absorber layer made of copper indium disulfide can have a thickness of about 1 to 10 microns, but can be others. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 7, the method further process the copper indium disulfide material to form a p-type copper indium disulfide film 320 in a specific embodiment. In certain embodiments, the as-formed copper indium disulfide material may have a desirable p-type semiconducting characteristic. In a specific embodiment, copper indium disulfide material 220 is subjected to a doping process to adjust p-type impurity concentration therein for the purpose of optimizing I-V characteristic of the high efficiency thin film photovoltaic devices. In an example, aluminum species are allowed to mix into the copper indium disulfide material 220. In another example, the copper indium disulfide material 220 is mixed with a copper indium aluminum disulfide material. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Subsequently, a window layer 310 is formed overlying the p-type copper indium disulfide material 320. The window layer can be selected from a group consisting of a cadmium sulfide (CdS), a zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc selenium (ZnSe), zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc magnesium oxide (ZnMgO), or others. In certain embodiments, these materials may be doped with one or more suitable impurities to form an n⁺ type semiconductor material. The window layer and the absorber layer forms a PN junction associated with a photovoltaic cell. The window layer is heavily doped to form a n⁺-type semiconductor layer in a preferred embodiment. In one example, indium species are used as the doping material to cause formation of the n⁺-type characteristic associated with the window layer 310. In another example, the doping process is performed under suitable conditions. In a specific embodiment, the window layer can use an aluminum doped ZnO material. The aluminum doped ZnO material can range from about 200 nm to about 500 nanometers in a specific embodiment. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternative

Referring to FIG. 8, the method forms a conductive layer 330 overlying a portion of a first surface region of the window layer 310. The conductive layer forms a top electrode layer for the photovoltaic device. In one embodiment, the conductive layer 330 is a transparent conductive oxide (TCO). For example, the TCO can be selected from a group consisting of In₂O₃:Sn (ITO), ZnO:Al (AZO), SnO₂:F (TFO), and the like, but can be others. In another embodiment, the TCO layer is provided in a certain predetermined pattern to maximize the fill factor and conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic device. In a specific embodiment, the TCO can also function as a window layer, which essentially eliminates a separate window layer. Of course there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a preferred embodiment, the present method maintains an interface region between the electrode layer and the copper indium disulfide material substantially free from a metal disulfide layer having different semiconductor characteristics from the copper indium disulfide material. Depending upon the type of electrode material, the metal disulfide layer is selected from molybdenum disulfide layer or the like. In a specific embodiment, the interface region is characterized by a surface morphology substantially capable of preventing any formation of the metal disulfide layer, which is characterized by a thickness of about 5 nanometers to about 10 nanometers. In a preferred embodiment, the present method includes a thermal process during at least the maintaining process or a portion of the maintaining process of at least 300 Degrees Celsius and greater to prevent any formation of the metal disulfide layer, which can be a molybdenum disulfide or like layer. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device, which is outlined below.

-   -   1. Start;     -   2. Provide a transparent substrate comprising a surface region;     -   3. Form a first electrode layer overlying the surface region;     -   4. Form a copper layer overlying the first electrode layer;     -   5. Form an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a         multi-layered structure (alternatively indium is formed first or         a multiple layers are sandwiched together);     -   6. Subject at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal         treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing         species;     -   7. Form a bulk copper indium disulfide material from at least         the thermal treatment process of the multi-layered structure,         the copper indium disulfide material comprising a         copper-to-indium atomic ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to about         2:1 or 1.35:1 to about 1.60:1 (or preferably and alternatively         from about 0.99:1 or 0.95:1 and less) and a thickness of         substantially copper sulfide material having a copper sulfide         surface region;     -   8. Remove the thickness of the copper sulfide material to expose         a surface region having a copper poor surface comprising a         copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 or         0.99:1;     -   9. Subject the copper poor surface to a metal cation species to         convert the copper poor surface from an n-type semiconductor         characteristic to a p-type semiconductor characteristic;     -   10. Preferably, subject the bulk copper indium disulfide         material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of 0.99 or         0.95:1 and less to a metal cation species to convert the copper         poor material from an n-type characteristic to a p-type         characteristic;     -   11. Subject the copper poor surface and the bulk copper indium         disulfide material to a treatment process during a time period         associated with the subjecting of the copper poor surface with         the metal cation species and/or with the subjecting of the bulk         copper indium disulfide material;     -   12. Form a window layer overlying the copper indium disulfide         material;     -   13. Form a second electrode layer; and     -   14. Perform other steps, as desired.

The above sequence of steps provides a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method and resulting photovoltaic structure free from parasitic junction regions in the absorber layer, which impair performance of the resulting device. Other alternatives can also be provided where steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. Details of the present method and structure can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

FIGS. 9-11 are simplified diagrams illustrating a method and structure for forming a thin film photovoltaic device including metal species treatment according to an embodiment of the present invention. These diagrams are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. In a specific embodiment, the present method begins with partially completed photovoltaic device 900. As shown, the device includes a transparent substrate 901 comprising a surface region, although other substrates can be used. The device also includes a first electrode layer 903 overlying the surface region. In a specific embodiment, the first electrode layer can be any conductive material including conductive metals, oxides, and semiconductor or combinations of these, as well as any material described herein and outside of the present specification.

In a specific embodiment, the photovoltaic device includes a chalcopyrite material, which acts as an absorber for the photovoltaic device. As shown, the chalcopyrite material can include, among others, copper indium disulfide material, copper indium aluminum disulfide, copper indium gallium disulfide, combinations of these, and others. In a specific embodiment, the chalcopyrite material is copper rich, or alternatively copper poor and characterized by one or more portions having a copper to indium atomic ratio of 0.99:1 and less or 0.95:1 and less. In a preferred embodiment, the copper indium disulfide material has one or more copper poor regions, which are preferably compensated using an ionic species. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives. In a specific embodiment, the chalcopyrite material has a thin layer of copper sulfide 907, which has been previously described, as may remain as a residue or fixed material when the bulk material is copper rich. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Referring to FIG. 10, the method selectively removes the thin layer of copper sulfide. In a specific embodiment, the thin layer of copper sulfide is removed 909 using a solution of potassium cyanide (KCN) or other suitable technique, e.g., dry etching, plasma etching, sputtering. In a specific embodiment, the method may cause formation of a copper poor surface region 1001. In a specific embodiment, the copper poor surface is characterized by a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 or 0.99:1. In a specific embodiment, the copper poor surface region is characterized as an n-type material, which forms a parasitic junction with the p-type copper indium disulfide material, which can be rich in copper. The parasitic junction leads to poor or inefficient device performance. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a preferred embodiment, the present method subjects the copper poor surface to an ionic species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic 1101, which behaves like a normal copper indium disulfide surface now, as shown in FIG. 11. In a specific embodiment, the ionic species is provided using a metal species. In a preferred embodiment, the metal species is a metal cation, which can be derived from transition metals cations such as Zn²⁺, Fe⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni⁺, Mn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ti⁴⁺, V^(n+) (n=n=2, 3, 4, 5), Sc³⁺, Ag⁺, Pd²⁺, Y³⁺, Zr, Mo²⁺, or other suitable transition metal salts and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the metal species can be derived from alkaline metal cations such as Li⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and the like. In certain embodiments, the metal species can be derived from an alkaline earth metal cations such as Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the subjecting the copper poor surface and/or bulk material includes a thermal treatment process during a time period associated with the subjecting of at least the copper poor surface with the ionic species. In a specific embodiment, the thermal treatment process can range in temperature from about 100 Degrees Celsius to about 500 Degrees Celsius, but can be others. Additionally, the thermal treatment process occurs for a time period ranging from a few minutes to about ten minutes to an hour or so. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the ionic species, for example the metal cation species can be applied using one or more techniques. These techniques include deposition, sputtering, spin coating, spraying, spray pyrolysis, dipping, electro deposition, painting, ink jet coating, sprinkling, any combination of these, and others. In some embodiments, certain metal species can be diffused from an overlying material, which can be an electrode layer or molybdenum or other suitable material. Alternatively, metal can be diffused from a piece of metal material or the like via a vapor phase. In a specific embodiment, the ionic species such as the metal cation species can be diffused in vapor phase, but can be others, for short periods of time. In a specific embodiment, the treatment process passivates the surface at the heterojunction or the like, which facilitates carrier separation and transport. Additionally, the present treatment process can also generate desired conduction band offset, commonly called CBO. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In a specific embodiment, the method includes forming a window layer overlying the copper indium disulfide material. The method also forms an electrode layer overlying the window layer. Depending upon the embodiment, the photovoltaic cell can be coupled to a glass or transparent plate or other suitable member. Alternatively, the photovoltaic cell can be coupled to another cell, e.g., bottom cell, to form a tandem or multi junction cell. Again, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of an copper indium disulfide material having one or more copper poor regions according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the diagram provides a thin film photovoltaic device 1200. The device has a substrate (e.g., transparent) 1201 comprising a surface region. Depending upon the embodiment, the substrate can be made of any of the materials described herein as well as out side of the present specification. In a specific embodiment, the device has a first electrode layer 1203 overlying the surface region and a chalcopyrite material 1205, which is an absorber, overlying the surface region. The device also has a copper poor copper indium disulfide bulk region 1205 and a surface region. In a specific embodiment, the copper poor copper indium disulfide bulk region having an atomic ratio of Cu:In of about 0.99 and less. In a specific embodiment, the device has compensating metal species 1204 provided within one or more portions of the copper poor copper indium disulfide region to change the copper poor copper indium disulfide region from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic. Also shown is a window layer 1207 overlying the copper indium disulfide region and a second electrode layer 1209 overlying the window layer. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives. Additionally, any of the elements described herein can be made of any of the materials or combination of materials described within the present specification and outside of the specification as well.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are plots of experimental results (Voc, Jsc, efficiency) according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. These diagrams are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. Also, these are experimental results and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. The experimental results demonstrate the operation of the present method and resulting devices, which achieved improved results. As shown, the experiments were performed on surface regions of copper, indium, and sulfur containing absorber materials, but it is believed that similar results would also apply to bulk absorber materials. Of course, there can be other variations, alternatives, and modifications.

According to the present experiments, a transparent substrate comprising a surface region was used. That is, the transparent substrate was water white or soda lime glass or can be others. A first electrode layer made of aluminum doped zinc oxide, commonly called AZO, was formed using sputter deposition overlying the surface region. The experiment also used a copper and gallium containing layer overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer overlying the copper and gallium containing layer to form a multi-layered structure. The copper/gallium layer and the indium layer were sputter deposited under standard conditions using at least an argon species plasma. Next, the method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process at an elevated temperature ranging from about 250 to about 350 Degrees Celsius and higher in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a copper indium gallium disulfide material from at least the thermal treatment process of the multi-layered structure.

I believe the copper indium gallium disulfide material comprising a copper-to-indium and gallium (Cu/In+Ga) atomic ratio ranging from about 1.2:1 to about 2:1 and a thickness of a substantially copper sulfide material having a copper sulfide (Cu_(x)S, where x=1 to 2, for example) surface region. The copper indium gallium disulfide material can comprise one or more copper poor regions having a copper-to-indium and gallium (Cu/In+Ga) atomic ratio ranging from about less than 0.95:1 within a bulk of the copper indium gallium disulfide material. Next, I removed the thickness of the copper sulfide material using an aqueous KCN solution to expose a surface region having a copper poor surface. The copper poor surface comprises a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1, which often leads to poor device performance and may be an n-type material, which also leads to poor device performance due to parasitic junction.

In this experiment, the copper poor surface and the one or more copper poor regions were subjected to a metal cation species to possibly convert the copper poor surface and the one or more copper poor regions and from an n-type semiconductor characteristic to a p-type semiconductor characteristic. As an example, In³⁺ (derived form indium trichloride (InCl₃)) was used as the source of the metal cation species. As an example, the indium trichloride was dissolved in water at a concentration ranging from about 0.05 molar to about 0.1 molar, but can be others. The copper poor surface and the one or more copper poor regions were subjected to the aqueous solution including the indium species for a suitable amount of time. Optionally, the copper poor surface and the one or more copper poor regions may be subjected to a treatment process at a temperature associated with the subjecting of the copper poor surface and the one or more copper poor regions with the metal species. I believe that the indium species replaced missing copper from the upper surface of the copper poor surface and the one or more copper poor regions. A window layer made of cadmium sulfide is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material or copper indium gallium disulfide material. Details of the experimental results are provided below.

As shown, FIG. 13 illustrates open circuit voltage (Voc) plotted against runs (1) and (2). Each of the runs includes a batch with InCl3 and without InCl₃ according to one or more embodiments. As can be clearly seen, the batch using the InCl₃ has a open circuit voltage higher by about 0.3 volts, which is significant. Similarly, the short circuit junction current Jsc for the batch treated with InCl3 is also higher. See FIG. 14, which plots short circuit current density in (mA/cm²) against runs (1) and (2). More significantly, FIG. 15 illustrates light scan efficiency against runs (1) and (2). As shown, average efficiencies of the InCl₃ treated batches were respectively 10.25% and 9.75% for batches 1 and 2, while the respective non treated batches were 8.75% and 8.50% on average. As shown, treatment using a metal cation species improved photovoltaic device performances. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Although the above has been illustrated according to specific embodiments, there can be other modifications, alternatives, and variations. Additionally, although the above has been described in terms of copper indium disulfide, other like materials such as copper indium gallium disulfide, copper indium aluminum disulfide, combinations thereof, and others can be used. Other materials may include CuGaS2, CuInSe2, Cu(InGa)Se2, Cu(InAl)Se2, Cu(In,Ga)SSe, combinations of these, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the metal cation compensates for and/or passivates the Cu-poor condition. This can be provided, in the broadest terms, by using metal salts or cation-anion compounds whose cation is based on alkali metals (e.g., Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺), alkaline earth metals (e.g., Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺), transition metals (e.g., cations of various valence states of Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, V, Ti, Sc, Ag, Mo, W, Pd, Hg, Ta, Pt, Au, Y, Zr, Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, etc.), and possibly even Group III metals (e.g., cations of various valence states of Al, Ga, In), combinations of these, and others. In a specific embodiment, the indium cation can be derived from a suitable compound such as, for example, InCl₃, among others. Additionally, as used herein, the term copper indium disulfide is to be interpreted broadly and may include other elements and is not specifically limited to the recited species according to one or more embodiments. Likewise, the other materials and/or compounds are also not limited, but should be interpreted by ordinary meaning according to one or more embodiments. In a specific embodiment, Na⁺ cation may be particularly good due to it's relative size, e.g., K′ ion may be effective, but due to its larger size, may diffuse slower than Na⁺ under the same processing conditions. In a specific embodiment, the counterpart anion in the salt, in the broadest terms, are chalcogens (e.g., oxides, sulfides, selenides, tellurides), halogens (e.g., fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides), organic and inorganic molecular anions (e.g., acetates, carboxylates, cyanides, oxalates, benzoates, azides, anions derived from amides, organic chelates (e.g., EDTA), inorganic chelates, phosphates, sulfates, arsenates, etc.), and possibly Group V anions (e.g., nitrides, phosphides, arsenides, antimonides), combinations of these, and others. It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device, the method comprising: providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region; forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region; forming a copper layer overlying the first electrode layer; forming an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure; subjecting at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species; forming a bulk copper indium disulfide material from at least the treatment process of the multi-layered structure, the bulk copper indium disulfide material comprising one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material characterized by a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 and the bulk copper indium disulfide material having a surface region characterized by a copper poor surface comprising a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1; subjecting the copper poor surface and one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material to metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic and to convert any of the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic; forming a window layer overlying the copper indium disulfide material; and whereupon the subjecting of the copper poor surface and the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material is performed during at least a thermal treatment process for a time period.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the subjecting of the metal cation species is provided by at least one process selected from spin coating, spraying, spray pyrolysis, pyrolysis, dipping, deposition, sputtering, or electrolysis.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the metal cation species comprises a transition metal cation, an alkaline metal cation or an alkaline earth metal cation.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the bulk copper indium disulfide comprising a thickness of copper sulfide material, the thickness of copper sulfide material being selectively removed using a solution of potassium cyanide.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the window layer is selected from a group consisting of a cadmium sulfide, a zinc sulfide, zinc selenium, zinc oxide, or zinc magnesium oxide.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the thermal treatment process of the copper poor surface comprises a temperature ranging from about 100 Degrees Celsius to about 500 Degrees Celsius.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the forming of the copper layer is provided by a sputtering process or plating process.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the metal species compensates for any missing copper in the copper poor surface and/or one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material characterized by a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the forming of the indium layer is provided by a sputtering process.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the forming of the indium layer is provided by a plating process.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the bulk copper indium disulfide comprises p-type semiconductor characteristic.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the window layer comprises an n+-type semiconductor characteristic.
 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising introducing an indium species in the window layer to cause formation of an n+-type semiconductor characteristic.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the bulk copper indium disulfide is mixed with a copper indium aluminum disulfide or copper indium gallium disulfide.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the sulfide bearing species comprise hydrogen sulfide in fluid phase. 